The Board of Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV), a non-profit organisation that conducts VICSWIM, made the decision earlier this year to turn to the state government for financial assistance to ensure that all Victorians had the opportunity to continue to participate in this valued aquatic education and water safety program, as ARV can no longer underwrite its delivery.

“The Board has reluctantly taken the hard decision to cease operating this well known and respected summer holiday learn to swim and water safety program, unless sufficient and immediate financial support is available from government”, ARV Chairman Mr Andrew Hocking said.

“With increases in drowning and knowing that participating in swimming lessons reduces this risk in small children by over 80%, it is very unfortunate that as a key element of the state government’s Play it Safe by The Water campaign, a learn to swim and water safety program like VICSWIM Summer Kidz can’t be financially supported by the state government to alleviate the increased cost to parents”, ARV’s CEO Mr Ian Swan said.

ARV welcomes the Coalition’s financial commitment to supporting the continued operation of the VICSWIM Summer Kidz program. This acknowledges the key role that the VICSWIM Summer Kidz learn-to-swim and water safety program plays in helping complete the missing piece of the drowning prevention plan.